TIE Online
BECOME A MEMBER! Sign up for TIE services now and start your international school career

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Wednesday, 27 September 2023
Understanding a Responsive Framework to DEIJ


Understanding a Responsive Framework to DEIJ
By Juan Jacobs Sheblak
Sep 2023
Culture is just one dimension of a person's multifaceted identity. No single identity or life circumstance can predict a person's cultural background…

Guidance for Navigating the DEIJ Journey


Guidance for Navigating the DEIJ Journey
By Doline Ndorimana
Sep 2023
A few guidelines that can help us maintain our sense of self and wellbeing so that we can do this important, complex, and rewarding work…

Support and Sustenance


Support and Sustenance
By Ryan Persaud
Sep 2023
Taking a multi-pronged approach to supporting and sustaining the DEIJ work in your school will lead to a greater chance of long-term success…

Leading Strategic Change: Building a Culture of Inclusion


Leading Strategic Change: Building a Culture of Inclusion
By Johanna Cena, Cheryl Hordenchuk, Nitasha Crishna
Aug 2023
UNIS Hanoi’s insights into multi-tiered systems of support…

What Are International Schools?


What Are International Schools?
By Yeji Kloosterman and Matthew Kloosterman
Sep 2023
Due to the nature of working with people from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds, defining the term “international” is challenging...



+ 2023
By Emily Meadows
19-Jul-23
Join us for an antiracism summer book/article study and a separate book talk with author Kimberlee Yolanda Williams… ..more
By international school students, Morocco
19-Jul-23
Transgender issues are not well-known and discussed, and we wanted to create a video that could help raise awareness… ..more
By Dominique Dalais
21-Jun-23
I advocate and take action in the spaces I occupy so that I can stand up for students and staff who might need support in their everyday lives… ..more
By Juan Jacobs Sheblak
21-Jun-23
We have an obligation to create a learning environment that allows each child to prepare for an unknown future… ..more
By Nickolas Hironao Harris
21-Jun-23
As educators, we have a crucial responsibility to recognize and appreciate the various identities and cultures which our students represent… ..more
By Dr. Emily Meadows
07-Jun-23
Safe Space signs are used to signal that the room they adorn is a “safe space” for all people, particularly LGBTQ+ folks. These signals are important because... ..more
By Kim LaBaw
24-May-23
Utilizing the 15-Minute Rule creates an opportunity for multilingual learners to engage in writing, speaking, and listening… ..more
By Debra E. Lane and Ann Marie Luce
24-May-23
There are actions we can take, possibilities we can reimagine, and networks to fix workplaces and create equitable, safe, and productive spaces for all… ..more
By Ryan Persaud
24-May-23
Deep, critical work that leads to meaningful change is what is required for the betterment of our school communities… ..more
By Angeline Aow and Dr. Sadie Hollins
10-May-23
Being intrepid is an exercise in risk-management and looks different depending on the identities and positions people embody and hold… ..more
By Sarah Y. Ko
10-May-23
We have the privilege and power to teach and advocate in a way that undoes some of the wrong in our world: reflect on biases, determine gaps, and collaboratively plan… ..more
By John Frame
10-May-23
Britishness cannot be a shorthand for one culture, one system, one way of speaking, one set of values, and one way of identifying… ..more
By Noria (ia) Adam-Lim
26-Apr-23
Our mindsets must shift from disadvantage to advantage, intervention to inclusion, monolingual to multilingual, equality to equity… ..more
By Lori Boll
15-Feb-23
This uniquely structured approach to one-to-one learning conversations is in the top five percent of educational interventions… ..more
By Dr. Virginia Rojas
18-Jan-23
A call to replace historically-steeped “fix the English learner” medical models with linguistically-just ecosystems for multilingual learners… ..more
By Lotus Das-Hyland, Grade 11 student
21-Jun-23
Every day we make the choice to love, as students and as teachers, to love those around us, and to love ourselves… ..more
By Michael Neumann and Tyler Shepard
21-Jun-23
Through our school-wide celebration of Pride, we aim to cultivate an atmosphere of inclusivity where every member of our community feels valued… ..more
By Ariane Baer-Harper
10-May-23
The framework for creating the right spaces for belonging begins and ends with good organization and communication... ..more
By Ryan Persaud
21-Jun-23
Any initiative or change that we may be trying to move forward is going to take buy-in and a collaborative effort… ..more
By James Dalziel, Richard Henry, James McDonald
24-May-23
In this episode, Kam Chohan talks with the hosts about the importance of her work in DEIJ and child protection and her commitment to social justice… ..more
By Kim Cofino
10-May-23
Has pursuing a leadership pathway been impacted by, or influenced women’s decisions about, raising a family… ..more
By Lauren Jones
12-Apr-23
Children have an innocence and an open-mindedness that allow them to be beautiful examples of what we can be if we open our hearts… ..more
By Kenya J. Washington
01-Feb-23
During the interview process, there are some approaches we may want to hold on to, some we need to avoid doing, and others we may want to move towards… ..more
By Doline Ndorimana
19-Jul-23
Doline Ndorimana has opened honest and vulnerable conversations regarding what inclusion means based on different life experiences… ..more
By Ryan Persaud
26-Apr-23
We must be committed to change within ourselves so that we can influence change within our schools and communities… ..more
By Omar Rachid Zaim
18-Jan-23
A response to white linguistic supremacy both in the language of instruction and in the offerings of languages taught… ..more
Jackie Rakochy
21-Jun-23
Grade 5 students delved into their passions, uncovering ways to create positive change in areas ranging from environmental conservation to social justice… ..more
By Debra E. Lane and Ann Marie Luce
26-Apr-23
There are actions we can take, possibilities we can reimagine, and networks to fix workplaces and create equitable, safe, and productive spaces for all… ..more
By Juan Jacobs Sheblak
12-Apr-23
The vulnerable and marginalized in our community must have their voices included… ..more
By Maymouna Sakho
10-May-23
The more we take time to reflect on our equity practices, the better we are able to serve… ..more
By Kim Cofino
12-Apr-23
Five steps focused on finding clarity in your coaching program… ..more
By Ryan Persaud
29-Mar-23
The first in a six-part series providing a step-by-step guide that can be employed by schools to frame their work… ..more
By Stephanie Drynan, Dr. Esther Bettney Heidt, and Jon Nordmeyer
26-Apr-23
A reflection on developing a dual language program with hopes of informing how to move toward more inclusive approaches to language education… ..more
By Dominique Dalais
01-Mar-23
Ideas and thoughts that might help educators of color as they navigate recruitment season in the international school system… ..more
By John Frame
15-Mar-23
Education already has enough of its own jargon with which teachers need to grapple without corporate language infiltration adding more complications… ..more
By Chiara Böcker (Grade 12), Sneha Choubey (Grade 9), Anea Boye Eldor (Grade 12), Ivy Fang (Grade 12), Rachel Fields (Grade 12), and Oyinlola Osinoiki (Grade12)
29-Mar-23
Students push for systemic change… ..more
By Kim Cofino
15-Mar-23
Four ways you can consider using your current experience as a bridge into formal leadership… ..more
By Juan Jacobs Sheblak
01-Mar-23
More work is necessary for our students to feel that every child matters… ..more
By Damian Bacchoo
01-Mar-23
Do international schools exist to perpetuate privilege? There is a need at times to remind ourselves what we think the purpose of education is… ..more
By Jacob Huckle
15-Feb-23
Activities focused on celebration and raising awareness are important, but are they enough… ..more
By Beccy Fox
15-Feb-23
Annual celebrations are a chance for students to develop an understanding and respect of cultures beyond the visible at the top of the cultural iceberg... ..more
By Nikita Vasyliev
29-Mar-23
Let’s choose to be the agents of change that our beautiful world so badly needs. Join the movement of HOPE and take action in support of peace and kindness… ..more
By Alysa Perreras and Matt Hajdun
01-Feb-23
Guiding questions to invite schools to analyze their current language policies with a DEIJ lens… ..more
By Nunana Nyomi
18-Jan-23
Our “what ifs” have become like walls, fencing us in and paralyzing us in the face of our responsibility to develop equitable and inclusive communities… ..more
By Veronica McDaniel
15-Feb-23
An invitation to join a global, student-led day of action to raise awareness and take action against human trafficking… ..more
By Kim Cofino
18-Jan-23
It’s not actually a lack of qualifications or confidence that holds women back from leadership. Let’s tackle the mindset challenges and concrete advice... ..more
By John Mikton and Dan Taylor
18-Jan-23
In this episode, explore Doline’s facilitation of DEIJ awareness, and the different strategies schools and school leaders can engage with… ..more
By Nico Rivas
24-May-23
Nico shares a story of a student experiencing the power of empathy when a school community was willing to embrace inclusion and move toward positive change... ..more
By Angela Langlands
29-Mar-23
In her Pearl, Angela encourages educators to “be the Pied Piper of the inclusivity you want to see at your school” through five simple steps… ..more
By Ryan Persaud
01-Feb-23
In this Pearl, Ryan encourages educators “not to be performative in your DEIJ work but to be authentic, strategic, and purposeful.”... ..more
By Shwetangna Charkrabarty
01-Jun-23
Send your articles, pictures, and event updates about how you are celebrating the month of pride at your school! ..more
+ 2022
By Kenya J. Washington
23-Nov-22
Inclusion in your hiring practices can only yield buy-in, stronger morale, and shared accountability in how a new member is supported once hired… ..more
By John Frame
23-Nov-22
True diversity must embrace all forms of identity and real equity must include attempts to address economic imbalance... ..more
By Fandy Diney and Shwetangna Chakrabarty
07-Dec-22
Fandy Diney shares her insights and experiences in an interview with TIE editor, Shwetangna Chakrabarty... ..more
By Kim Cofino
23-Nov-22
In some schools coaching is a huge success, and in others it fizzles out and fails in just a few years. What makes the difference… ..more
By Shwetangna Chakrabarty
23-Nov-22
My heart is full of solidarity with all of us who are still struggling... ..more
By Shameek Ghosh and Brian Lalor
23-Nov-22
At the heart of the celebration was the aim of making students recognize the importance of intercultural understanding… ..more
By Jon Nordmeyer
09-Nov-22
Understanding the implications of EAL fees on students, teachers, classrooms, and overall equity helps us move toward improving this system… ..more
By Kim Cofino
26-Oct-22
Recognizing, owning, and being able to articulate your leadership skills are important first steps in taking action.. ..more
By Bridget McNamer
12-Oct-22
Daring women leaders from around the globe gathered to celebrate strengths and reimagine a leadership landscape that values and supports female attributes… ..more
By Dominique Dalais
12-Oct-22
Educators in international schools share their stories of discrimination and racism during their journeys… ..more
By Yasmine Sadri
07-Dec-22
When I say we are our people, we are both joy and pain, and right now we are hurting. Our people are hurting. Our country is hurting… ..more
By Joel Jr Llaban
28-Sep-22
Dreaming of a place and space where it sees and centers me and you… ..more
By Lia Gould
14-Sep-22
Authentic inclusion requires a paradigm shift in how we understand and appreciate the differences and similarities among individuals and groups… ..more
By Ruth Poulsen
14-Sep-22
Between the crush of curriculum expectations and disengaged teens, secondary teachers sometimes struggle with how to incorporate SEL lessons… ..more
By Nanjing International School
26-Oct-22
Join students, Kirsten and Kalei, as they discuss their Non-Straight/Straight Alliance project… ..more
By Shane Safir and Jessica Wei Huang
14-Sep-22
Emergent lessons on dominant culture in schooling stemming from a recent experience with a Street Data Fundamentals workshop… ..more
By Scott Jamieson and Nantume
28-Sep-22
A student’s perspective on issues and actions related to the wellbeing of girls… ..more
By Emily Meadows
17-Aug-22
To achieve safety, equity, and belonging at your school, take a firm position that does not endorse identity-based marginalization... ..more
By Elle Spencer, Grade 11
28-Sep-22
How do we embrace our own learning challenges and turn them into strengths… ..more
By Dr. Virginia Rojas
17-Aug-22
A look at the policies and practices of multilingualism misaligned with current research… ..more
By Kevin Simpson
17-Aug-22
The founder of AIELOC reflects on the first five years and the association's future focus… ..more
By Suhana Singh Madian, Grade 12
14-Sep-22
When gender equality and breaking the glass ceiling are at the forefront of society, why are we holding on to outdated gendered terms and norms… ..more
By Katrina Daniels-Samasa
17-Aug-22
Launching tangible and sustainable DEIJ programs that mitigate bias and discrimination can be difficult. Key takeaways from an AIELOC session offer solutions… ..more
By Holly Erwin
17-Aug-22
A student uses an innovative strategy to raise awareness in her school community about important social issues... ..more
By Karen Taylor
13-Jul-22
Co-teaching may offer an enhanced learning experience for our students and less stress for teachers, which creates a more inclusive classroom for all... ..more
By Joel Llaban Jr.
13-Jul-22
Here's to radically dreaming, to witnessing, naming, and celebrating the tenacity, truths, and tensions of our communities... ..more
By Dzenana Kurtovic-Ceman
13-Jul-22
A teacher reflects on a day in the life of an international school student who identifies as Black and Muslim, capturing the daily challenges faced by many in our schools... ..more
By Ayako Catherine Nozue and Hoi Ching (Cathy) Ng
22-Jun-22
Teachers and students at Utahloy International School Guangzhou celebrate diversity and inclusivity by dressing in rainbow colors... ..more
By Joanna Lippert, Grade 12
22-Jun-22
In order for the LGBTQ+ community to be properly integrated into society, we need to normalize talking about their issues, especially in schools... ..more
By PhysEquity
22-Jun-22
In this episode, the PhysEquity team is in a conversation with Emily Meadows, an LGBTQ+ consultant and published author specializing in international schools... ..more
By David B. Hawley
22-Jun-22
As a school leader, I have been on a decades-long quest to make schools safe spaces in every way that can be imagined and to do this intentionally and inclusively… ..more
By Emily Meadows and Tamara Friedman
22-Jun-22
We are white international educators showing up to do the ongoing work of whiteness accountability as one piece of anti-racism progress... ..more
By Kim Cofino
08-Jun-22
10 frequently mentioned themes for the most essential skills for emerging leaders today represent a well-rounded and likely non-traditional leader... ..more
By Natasha Winnard
08-Jun-22
The key element is the importance of constantly reflecting and learning from the one thing all global families seem to share: lives of constant change... ..more
By Abenaa Uttenthal
13-Jul-22
In this Pearl, Abenaa Uttenthal reflects on the Ghanian term sankofa that asks us to “go back and fetch” so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past... ..more
By Liz Cho, Jessica Wei Huang, Joel Jr Llaban, Margaret Park, and Daniel Wickner
08-Jun-22
A reflection from the recent EARCOS panel on Identity and Decolonizing the Work of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in International Schools... ..more
By Fandy Diney and Daniel Wickner
25-May-22
Fandy and Daniel discuss the alignment between identity centered learning and a holistic approach to international education... ..more
By Damian Bacchoo
11-May-22
At school, did you notice that the same kids were always given all the special jobs, the opportunities to show guests around, to speak at assemblies… ..more
By Bridget McNamer
11-May-22
How can our schools create cultures where sexual harassment has no place to thrive – so females, and indeed all members of our communities, can... ..more
By Héloïse, year 13
11-May-22
As a student of color, I would like you to listen to me. As I grow into adulthood…I want you to make my education a safe space… ..more
By Doline Ndorimana
11-May-22
An open letter reflecting on our use of current events and crises in the classroom to promote and sustain a culture of equity and conscious inclusion… ..more
By Nanjing International School
11-May-22
Join this podcast with NIS Head of Admissions, as we discuss our school's approach to admissions and how it is a key part of developing our inclusive learning community... ..more
By Kim Cofino
11-May-22
70 successful women share strategies that help busy leaders manage the demands, needs, and priorities of a school or division... ..more
By Jeff Utecht
27-Apr-22
In this episode, Jeff interviews Kristina Pennell-Götze about supporting each other, as well as our students, through the lens of equity and inclusion. ..more
By Héloïse Hughes, year 13
13-Apr-22
A student’s contribution to an online affinity group tackles how a lack of teacher diversity can affect students. ..more
By Caroline Davis
13-Apr-22
Caroline shares her experience of working on DEI initiatives where there was evidence of lack of awareness and inauthentic and tokenistic practice... ..more
By Kim Cofino
13-Apr-22
Balancing competing priorities can become overwhelming if you don’t have a strategy to deal with them. 70 women in leadership roles share insights. ..more
By Dr. Liam Hammer
30-Mar-22
A recently completed dissertation explores a global phenomenon of a sizeable ethnic gap in international schools’ teacher salaries. ..more
By Dominique Dalais
30-Mar-22
This series of podcasts will focus on international teachers of color from around the world who share their stories of how they have been discriminated against in their schools across the world. ..more
By Dominique Dalais
02-Mar-22
Dominique describes initiatives he has spearheaded independently and through his school, including his podcast series and the DEIJ Council and his hopes for inspiring action. ..more
By Tanay Naik & Megan Brazil
16-Feb-22
How might we enhance our current systems and establish new protocols that help us achieve our aspirational goal of having better representation within our teaching teams? ..more
By Leo Thompson
02-Feb-22
A model to highlight a range of discriminatory issues affecting our schools and how we can help to resolve them. Leo critiques his own model and invites you to adapt it to your context. ..more
By Jane Larsson
19-Jan-22
The Council of International Schools, has moved away from using the terms “host country” and “host country national” in light of the changing landscape of international education. ..more
By Kim Cofino
19-Jan-22
The secret to feeling confident and capable in a confrontation is both understanding the process and practicing your actions until there are very few surprises left. ..more
By Kevin Glass and Mike McCarthy
19-Jan-22
The sixth annual #MyFreedomDay campaign is coming up on March 16th, 2022. Individuals and organizations across the globe can participate in this day of action against modern-day slavery. ..more
+ 2021
By Dominique Dalais
08-Dec-21
In part one of his interview with TIE, Dominique talks about his background as a teacher of color and what motivated him to start taking action around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice issues. ..more
By Michaela Johnson, Grade 12
08-Dec-21
In this video, Michaela Johnson, a Grade 12 student at The International School of Zug and Luzern, speaks on her experiences with racism in life and school. ..more
By ACS Press Office
24-Nov-21
Students of all ages from ACS International School Egham have been “showing racism the red card” through a series of anti-racism awareness and fundraising activities. ..more
By Nicholas Alchin
24-Nov-21
The aim of our discussions should not be victory, but better understanding of other views. That’s the long-term work, the hard work. None of us have a monopoly on truth... ..more
By Michael Thompson and Sidney Rose
24-Nov-21
We’re a couple of “golden oldies” that are speaking up for many similarly experienced and skilled educators who because of their age find it more than difficult to secure meaningful work in today’s youth-orientated society ..more
By Kim Cofino
10-Nov-21
Women leaders share what’s different about a leadership interview (in particular a Head of School interview) than what we may be used to in terms of teaching middle level leadership. ..more
By Ann Marie Christian
10-Nov-21
Safeguarding and child protection awareness went global in 1989 with UNICEF Rights of the Child. However, it is not yet consistent across the world and children are still at risk of harm. ..more
By Students at the International School of Luxembourg
10-Nov-21
When incidents of racism and anti-Semitism happened in their school, the students at the International School of Luxembourg (ISL) took matters in their own hands. ..more
By Matthew B. Dwyer
27-Oct-21
Educators must push back against the focus on division. By asking the questions behind the question we focus on what unites us as humans. ..more
By Dominique Dalais
27-Oct-21
This second series explores how international schools, international organizations, and international recruitment agencies are making systemic changes with regards to racial equity. ..more
By Alysa Perreras
13-Oct-21
To engage with intersectionality in international schooling, to deeply examine how systems of oppression intersect to create disparate experiences for staff and students, can feel intimidating. ..more
By Amanda Bates
13-Oct-21
The Black Expat podcast, the Global Chatter, is an ongoing conversation that focuses on international mobility, identity, race, career, and more. ..more
By Tanay Naik
29-Sep-21
We take our status as international schools and assume that because we have diverse student populations that, that in and of itself, is enough. ..more
By Kim Cofino
13-Oct-21
If, a a woman, you feel isolated in your leadership journey, you’re not alone! Many aspiring women leaders feel exactly the same way. Trying to find a mentor isn’t always easy. ..more
By Sinéad Fitzsimons
29-Sep-21
The intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and power are often not incorporated into secondary or primary social studies curricula. ..more
By Darnell Fine
15-Sep-21
Much of what I write is a way of clarifying my own values and beliefs when it comes to language and literacy instruction in international schools ..more
By Kim Cofino
15-Sep-21
Experienced women in education described feeling some level of imposter syndrome. Even though they were accomplished and demonstrating their leadership, they still didn’t quite feel like leaders. ..more
By Rama Ndiaye and Nayoung Weaver
15-Sep-21
The Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color (AIELOC) organized its first-ever Summer Institute of five sessions in 2021. ..more
By International School of Luxembourg (ISL)
15-Sep-21
Students at ISL realize that racism and racial discrimination is still very much alive and engage in a frank and open discussion on race relations within their school. ..more
By Emily Meadows, PhD
01-Sep-21
Safe Space signs are used to signal that the room they adorn is a “safe space” for all people, particularly including LGBTQ+ folks. ..more
Bradford Philen
01-Sep-21
A moment of panic at home forces a teacher in Manila to reflect on the importance of rescue and recovery in the world of distance learning. ..more
By Margaret Park
01-Sep-21
Seoul of a Leader is committed to leadership development and equipping others to become stronger leaders who would make positive change in their spaces. ..more
By Sherri Spelic
01-Sep-21
“What’s the preparation [we] need?” is the question too rarely posed before school communities make a visible push for equity. ..more
Doline Ndorimana and Joel Jr Llaban join The International Educator’s editorial committee. ..more
By Bridget McNamer
04-Aug-21
The Sidecar Summit, a gathering of adventurous women leaders in preK-12 education. ..more
By Jerome Lingo
04-Aug-21
Sharing personal narratives raises awareness of the challenges many educators face and empowers us all to help each other do better. ..more
By Kim Cofino
04-Aug-21
When it comes to seeking leadership positions many of those traditional expectations are still prevalent in the international school circuit ..more
By Jerrill M. Adams, Alan Kennedy, and Lavious Daniels
04-Aug-21
AIELOC's webinar “Black Men in International Education,” presents a conversation with three black men who work internationally. ..more
By Dr. Paul Richards
06-Jul-21
I have taught critical race theory for the past ten years in three different overseas American schools, and that experience has solidified my unequivocal belief that teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental ..more
By Emily Meadows & Tamara Friedman
06-Jul-21
We are white international educators showing up to do the work of whiteness accountability as one piece of anti-racism progress. Join us for summer reading and discussion! ..more
By Leo Thompson
06-Jul-21
Introducing an inclusive global citizenship model and linked resources to help busy educators and invite further discussion and impact. ..more
By Emily Meadows & Tamara Friedman
22-Jun-21
White international school educators are collaborating to cultivate antiracism accountability in our schools. We can only achieve racial equity and justice if we relentlessly hold one another accountable for collectively transferring our learning and commitments into action. ..more
By Kelli Powling
22-Jun-21
Not Light but Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom by Matthew R. Kay is a critical read for any educator interested in building authentic classroom community and makes a particularly good text for study by a PLC. ..more
By Kim Cofino
22-Jun-21
The Head of School announcements every year reveal that top leadership positions at international schools often seem to be passed around within the same small circle of mostly white men ..more
By Shwetanaga Chakrabarty
08-Jun-21
Legalizing, institutionalizing, and legitimizing discrimination under the pretext of celebrating internationalism is a crime, writes the author. In her experience, as a woman of color, this crime was committed over and over until she lost her own voice. But not to worry--she found it again. ..more
By Kimberly Cullen
25-May-21
At two recent virtual gatherings of international educators, Kimberly Cullen and Debra Lane asked participants to describe the struggles that women leaders face in international K-12 schools and to identify what they are willing to start and stop doing to raise themselves and others up.  ..more
By Kim Cofino
25-May-21
Many Women Who Lead interviewees spoke of a competitive and tense zero-sum atmosphere around female leadership positions, as if there’s a pie and everyone has to frantically grab a piece because it’s in danger of running out. Here's the thing: it is not a pie. ..more
By Lindsay Kuhl, Jane Russell Valezy, & Esther Bettney
25-May-21
Teachers everywhere have repeatedly faced new and ongoing challenges over the past year as we have transitioned through various forms of learning. We have tried to ensure that multilingual students' voices are heard and that we provide a variety of options so all students can succeed. ..more
By Doline Ndorimana
12-May-21
A scent is natural and emanates from the environment. A perfume, on the other hand, is an artificial overlay that tends to create a mood yet doesn't linger long. In my experience, DEI work can tend to function like a perfume. What's in the air at your school? ..more
By Kimberly Cullen
27-Apr-21
Worldwide, it is clear that “teaching is frequently a female profession with men in charge.” Kim Cullen and her colleague Debra Lane have been thinking, writing, and talking publicly about the many struggles that women leaders in international K-12 schools face.  ..more
By Alexandra Ritt Gustad & Esther Bettney
11-May-21
Translanguaging is the adaptable way in which multilingual people use their languages to communicate. As the action and practice of using a person’s full linguistic repertoire to construct meaning, we should be deploying this approach more broadly with our students. ..more
By Kim Cofino
27-Apr-21
Better understanding both the stereotypes and expectations you may face as a woman in pursuing a leadership role, and having some strategies to deal with them, may help you feel more confident in taking the next steps towards your dream job. ..more
By James Toney
27-Apr-21
James Toney doesn't want to talk about Chauvin's trial. All the same, this Black educator with a Black son of his own has generously and at personal cost laid out some of the many reasons why he's not up for talking. Are you listening? ..more
By Zenaida Cubbinz
13-Apr-21
The practice of wearing a hijab and abaya at international schools is not always viewed as being in keeping with the school’s “international” image, according to Zenaida Cubbinz, who also notes that hijabis tend to be hired to teach very specific subjects. ..more
By Kim Cofino
30-Mar-21
Although we may have the perception that there are more women moving into leadership roles in recent years, the data shows that is not the case. Kim Cofino explores the roots of this ongoing problem in international schools around the world.  ..more
By Kelly Owens
30-Mar-21
Service learning, according to Kelly Owens, is problematic in that it reinforces the “savior” mentality among students at international schools. A different approach, community-based engagement, shows them the importance of working together for the betterment of all. ..more
By Lily Chang
30-Mar-21
Lily Chang is wondering if the DEI movement is not perpetuating an Us vs. Them mentality. Is it not time, she argues, for us to move past skin color and simply discuss how we can all be more inclusive? ..more
By Rama Ndiaye
15-Mar-21
White people’s shame resilience can only strengthen if they are willing to move authentically through shame. This will happen when they hold each other accountable, break the barriers of white solidarity, and extend true empathy. ..more
By Joel Jr. Llaban
03-Mar-21
Courageous conversations centered on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice may initially ignite denial about the different forms of oppression that are perpetuated in the international school sector, writes Joel Jr. Llaban. But what we need is to sustain that courage over time. ..more
By Ruth Poulsen
03-Mar-21
"These are international school teachers! They’ve lived all over the world—they're my people; they’re not supposed to be racist..." Ruth Poulsen considers the line between culture shock and racism, suggesting we ask four reflective questions and take up an additive lens. ..more
By Kim Cofino
03-Mar-21
Women in leadership positions often appear to have advanced steadily with intention along a clear path towards an ultimate goal. A dozen women leaders shared with Kim Cofino that the reality is often quite different. ..more
By Danau Tanu
16-Feb-21
“Racism” and “global citizenship” sound incompatible. This past year, however, we’ve been forced to acknowledge that systemic racism exists even within the international school ecosystem, where students unknowingly absorb the racial biases of a hidden curriculum. ..more
By Nayoung Weaver
16-Feb-21
Since international students are brought into tertiary education systems to diversify them, writes college counselor Nayoung Weaver, colleges should accordingly take responsibility and provide a supportive environment for these students rather than expect them to "orient." ..more
By Richard Bampfylde
16-Feb-21
The nearly 150-year-old British Quaker school in Mount Lebanon raised over US$130,000 since August 2020 from 175 donors to support school families with tuition fee payments and for those directly affected by August 4th explosion. ..more
By Kim Cofino
02-Feb-21
We often view our leaders as having carefully crafted their careers from the outset. But there are as many paths to leadership as there are leaders. Each journey is unique, and as polished and successful as we perceive women in leadership roles to be, they didn’t all start out that way. ..more
David L. Di Maria Associate Vice Provost for International Education, University of Maryland
16-Feb-21
Associate Vice Provost for International Education at the University of Maryland feels that President Biden’s rollbacks on former President Trump’s travel restrictions signal new opportunities for international students. ..more
By David Willows
02-Feb-21
When Amanda Gorman stood at the podium on the Capitol steps a couple of weeks ago and recited her poem for the new president, the world was once again offered a lesson on why words do matter after all. ..more
By Esther Bettney & Jon Nordmeyer
02-Feb-21
In the past year, WIDA has partnered with a variety of researchers and practitioners to better understand how to support multilingual students, their teachers, and their schools in the midst of the ongoing COVID pandemic, and they have some ideas to share. ..more
By Joel Jr. Llaban
02-Feb-21
Joel Jr. Llaban shares an update on developments since a petition circulated recommending that all agencies and organizations involved in accrediting and evaluating international school quality worldwide include antiracism and antidiscrimination principles in their standards. ..more
By Bridget McNamer
19-Jan-21
Having coached over 30 women leaders in the past year as they’ve navigated the leadership search process, it strikes me that some of the same attributes that make so many women effective leaders stand as obstacles to their success in the search process. ..more
By CMRubinWorld
19-Jan-21
The Planet Classroom Network has launched its programming schedule with 28 cultural organizations committed to global programming. Young people from around the world played a significant role in conceptualizing, creating, & producing the network’s vision & programming.   ..more
By Jessica Huang
19-Jan-21
International educators of color shoulder the added burden of having to explain their multi-layered and complex identities, according to Jessica Huang. Entering this field, she was unprepared for the amount of microaggressions she would face. ..more
By Kenya J. Washington
19-Jan-21
As mindful educators, we understand the power of modeling attributes related to inclusivity that we hope to see our students embrace. On-going reflection and action towards further inclusion is essential as we look to create a culturally inclusive environment. ..more
By Mariana Castro and Christina Nelson
06-Jan-21
Critical reflection among educators is a central aspect of the effort to engage in advocacy and in the fight for social justice in international schools. Transforming our schools into sites of belonging means analyzing ingrained norms and rooting out exclusionary practices. ..more
By Justin Sheehan
06-Jan-21
Unable to travel out of province due to the global pandemic, students and teachers at Dalian American International School developed a partnership with regional corporations in order to bring online learning opportunities to children in local communities. ..more
By Priya Shah
06-Jan-21
How do we create a group culture of “can do” math in a safe environment with ample support? This research adds to the growing body of work on the concept of mathematical resilience, taking a close look at case studies involving third culture kids and students with IEPs. ..more
By Kim Cofino
06-Jan-21
Many of us acknowledge that diversity in international schools is a foundational value. However, in practice, we rarely see that diversity reflected in our leadership positions. Kim Cofino has interviewed over 70 successful women in leadership and has come away with many insights. ..more
+ 2020
By Jessica Magagna
23-Dec-20
Last August, Search Associates sent a letter addressing its plans to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. After conducting six listening circles, CEO Jessica Magagna reports on the learnings that will shape company strategy and actions moving forward. ..more
By Sherri Spelic
23-Dec-20
Drawing on observations from a vibrant life of learning through reading, writing, listening, and dialoging, Sherri Spelic asks us to rethink the world we are building for ourselves and our children in schools, in our communities, and in our societies. ..more
By Emily Meadows & Daniel Wickner
08-Dec-20
In an effort to improve antiracist practice, Emily Meadows and Daniel Wickner discuss intent in relation to impact and share a series of infographics that cover topics such as cultural appropriation, color blindness, microaggressions, white privilege, and more. ..more
By Yvette Santos Cuenco, LMSW
08-Dec-20
Yvette Cuenco shares highlights from her recent talk on Filipinx/Asian American history and allyship with the Black Lives Matter movement, presented at the November 2020 Association for International Educators and Leaders of Color and Women of Color in ELT conference. ..more
By Renea Bartlett Pope
25-Nov-20
How are teachers refining their practices today in response to diverse students’ needs in remote modalities? Renea Bartlett Pope spoke with colleagues around the world and reports on three major shifts that will likely carry over into post-pandemic schooling. ..more
By Fiona Hopper
08-Dec-20
Decolonization work in schools begins, argues Fiona Hopper, with the kind of inquiry that questions assumptions about what makes a civilization. What if the measure of a civilization were not the size of its monuments or the power of its hierarchies but rather its sustainability? ..more
By Gordon Eldridge, TIE Columnist
11-Nov-20
As we make decisions about the kind of global citizens we hope our schools will produce, it is important to examine some of the beliefs and assumptions which underpin differing conceptions of what it means to be a global citizen. ..more
By Darnell Fine and Dana Watts
14-Oct-20
The Diversity Collaborative was born in 2017 to address the lack of diversity in international school leadership. Over the past three years, more than 600 educators from across the globe have signed on, committed to advancing the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. ..more
By By Anna Clara Fontoura Fernandes Reynolds & Xoài David
11-Nov-20
The Organisation to Decolonise International Schools held a webinar that brought together two alumni groups, Out For Solidarity (OFS) and #DoBetterDover from the Overseas Family School Singapore and the UWCSEA Dover Campus respectively. ..more
By Naima Thompson
24-Oct-20
After teaching drama and theater for more than 30 years in the international arena, Naima Thompson believes that all educators need to be asking themselves what deep-seated beliefs impact the way in which they engage with students and whether they are truly clear on where they stand in relation to such issues as anti-blackness and white fragility. ..more
By Jon Nordmeyer, TIE columnist
24-Oct-20
Two things worth rethinking in international schools are how we refer to multilingual learners and how we serve them. Terminology matters, and how we refer to students and programs can impact both identity and learning. ..more
Bobbi McDaniel became Director of the American International School of Monrovia in Liberia at the start of the 2020 school year. Briefly setting aside the many demands on her attention, she answered a few of our questions about stepping into this role in this era of uncertainty. ..more
By Shwetangna Chakrabarty, TIE blogger
24-Oct-20
In the era of Covid-19, IB students at Utahloy International School Guangzhou have found a way to pursue service-learning opportunities remotely. Yes, we must practice social distancing, they understand; but this is no time to distance ourselves from social causes. ..more
By Ben Fishman
24-Oct-20
As global educators, we want our students to be open-minded, culturally aware, and to appreciate and celebrate diversity. But racism, discrimination, and various forms of bias impact us all. How can we prepare our students for positive encounters in a culturally diverse world? ..more
By Danau Tanu
14-Oct-20
When a child’s strongest language is different from that of her family, it can create a sense of cultural disconnection even into adulthood. Anthropologist Danau Tanu pursues her investigation of the racist structures at work within international schools. ..more
By Anne Keeling, ISC Research
15-Sep-20
A new report published by ISC Research and Next Frontier Inclusion describes inclusion practices and trends within the world’s international schools market. A total of 207 international schools from 69 countries were surveyed; students with learning needs are present in most. ..more
By Xoài David and Anna Clara Fontoura Fernandes Reynolds
03-Sep-20
The Organisation to Decolonise International Schools (ODIS) was launched in the summer of 2020 to address the ways in which global education systems were founded on colonial values, Western dominance and, inevitably, White Supremacy and racism—specifically anti-Blackness. ..more
By Daniel Wickner
03-Sep-20
Like other BIPOC individuals, Daniel Wickner feels as though he has earned a Ph.D. in Race and Culture, decades in the making. He uses that extensive knowledge and experience to support his students as they explore and construct their complex racial and cultural identities. ..more
By Jen Hardie
03-Sep-20
Reinforcement of the gender binary is present across the spectrum of school life, often hiding both in plain sight and in places we don’t always think to look. As educators, it is important that we learn to see how this binary can affect our students. ..more
By Heidi Dyck Hilty
15-Jul-20
Racism in international schools sounds like a misquote. There can’t be racism in international schools; it goes against everything we’re supposed to believe in, against everything we say we promote. And yet... ..more
By Douglas Unger
15-Jul-20
Teaching literature-in-translation, especially by contemporary writers, is one way to approach expanding diversity in both what and how students learn. This is one of the primary missions of Words Without Borders Campus. ..more
By Joel Jr Llaban
18-Jun-20
We have to name racism, call it out, and own up to our privilege and power. We have an opportunity here to structurally dismantle racism and shape the present and future of international education so that it is equitable, just, diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist. ..more
By Susana Thomas
18-Jun-20
It was incredible to work alongside people of color and to be seen for what we are and what we have to offer... It was magical while it lasted. I feared that penning such a candid account would result in my exclusion from the consideration of future employers. But we must. ..more
By Dr. Ashley Hazelwood, AIELOC Fellow & Kevin Simpson, AIELOC Founder
04-Jun-20
AIELOC calls on every stakeholder in international education to commit to action and to making our community more socially just. Now is the time for us to move beyond contrived statements and to assert action to solidify our collective identity. ..more
By Alysa Perreras
04-Jun-20
As educators, if we seek to be true accomplices in the work of dismantling injustice, our commitment must be intentional, urgent, and unapologetic. In the case of dismantling antiblackness within our schools, curriculums and classrooms, there is no time to waste. ..more
By Proserpina Dhlamini-Fisher
04-Jun-20
Racism is still alive in international education. Schools rationalize the terrible practice of excluding teachers and leaders of color by citing parent expectations, visa laws, and a dozen other weak excuses. Are there enough people of color or teachers representing diverse cultures serving as role models and mentors to our students? ..more
By Jennifer J. Beckwith, Ph. D.
04-Jun-20
If classes were currently in session in international classrooms, I can only imagine the compassion and awe-inspiring debate fueled by outrage over tyranny, by racial conflict, by diverse beliefs, and by a commitment to human equality that would send sparks flying. ..more
By Francis T Chapuredima
04-Jun-20
From an international educator point of view, I am very fortunate to have a chance to shape, educate, and challenge young minds. To help them realize that we are all human, and that hate and racism are taught! ..more
By Yvette Cuenco
04-Jun-20
I’ve thought deeply about the rage, sadness, and fear felt by my colleagues, friends, students, and loved ones who identify as Black People of Color. As a Filipino American, I've experienced racism and prejudice, but I can still enjoy everyday things without fearing for my own safety. ..more
By Darnell Fine
04-Jun-20
Social justice facilitator Darnell Fine shares a reflection inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. As international educators, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” ..more
By Edwina Leonard
04-Jun-20
As an educator, I pull from a deep reserve to soothe my students' shattered emotions and try to restore their perceptions of the hate being displayed in my country. But this black woman, this wife, this mother, this school counselor is deeply saddened. ..more
By Shwetangna Chakrabarty, TIE blogger
04-Jun-20
Sadly, international mindedness in today’s context only means diversity in the student body, not the teaching staff. I persevere to teach antiracism and international mindedness, even when I am a victim of racism and discrimination. ..more
By Seda Kocharyan
04-Jun-20
A reflection from Seda Kocharyan on the mysterious criteria that seem to inform certain hiring practices in the international education sector, both at schools and among recruiting agencies. Can we pierce this mystery? ..more
By Meadow Dibble, TIE Editor
04-Jun-20
The Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color has launched a campaign to engage the international education community in efforts to end the virulent anti-black racism and scapegoating endured by people of African descent in China over the past few weeks. ..more
By Gregory R. van Goidtsnoven
22-May-20
Learning a foreign language is not simply about understanding the vocabulary, and it requires much more than simply the ability to “pass.” These reductive perceptions don’t begin to take into account the complexity of systems at work in language development. ..more
By Bettina L. Love, University of Georgia
06-May-20
Asking educators to understand how racism functions in their classrooms and to fight for social justice when they have so many issues to tackle every day may sound counterproductive, but many of their students’ traumas are a direct result of oppressive systems and ideologies. ..more
By Heidi Laws & Donna Bracewell
06-May-20
The new Life-Centered Education program at ISK is designed to serve students who have a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability and require individualized academic and social skill instruction. ..more
By Juliette Harik
08-Apr-20
The American School of Doha, in collaboration with the ASD National Honor Society (NHS), has pledged to make education available to children in the Machakos county of Kenya. ASD officially announces the Alfardan Group as the Sponsor Premier of the Machakos Education Center. ..more
Resources and Tools for Education in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We invite all educators to add suggestions and we will update this list periodically. ..more
+ 2019
By Robert Cummings
04-Sep-19
As part of a focused effort to reduce financial barriers for students and schools to participate in its unique programmes, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced that it is eliminating the $172/£138 "candidate registration" fee. ..more
By Margaret Shibuya
01-Nov-19
International administrators take into consideration racism and sexism in their school environments and hiring practices as they make their decisions to retain or hire employees. But what about ageism? This form of discrimination has yet to be addressed. ..more
By Meadow Hilley, TIE Editor
03-Apr-19
Sheena Nabholz, Head of School at Lincoln Community School in Accra, Ghana, speaks with TIE Editor Meadow Hilley, reflecting on her path toward leadership and the importance of mentors for women of talent. ..more
By Shwetangna Chakrabarty
01-Feb-19
As an international school teacher, my biggest challenge is to cater to the needs of a diverse population of students from all over the world. At the same time, my greatest teaching asset is precisely the diversity of the student population! ..more
By Freddie Oomkens
18-Jan-19
To increase the amount of highly skilled teachers around the world, the University of the People (UoPeople) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) have launched a tuition-free, online Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) program. ..more
+ 2018
By Ettie Zilber
28-Nov-18
Host-country staff is sometimes overlooked in planning orientation programs. HCS all play vital roles in the school and need training and orientation in order to make sense of their interactions with foreigners within the community. ..more
By John L. Lyons
02-Nov-18
Cultural differences offer potent opportunities for building walls of separation or bridges of understanding between people. International schools--places of learning that by definition contain high levels of cultural diversity--should be in the business of building more bridges. ..more
By Natasha Warikoo, Harvard University
27-Sep-18
More and more students at Harvard are examining their admission files to try to understand how they got in. The U.S. government is also plans to examine the files as part of a discrimination case filed by 63 Asian- American groups. ..more
By Beckett Haight
19-Oct-18
International schools are quickly moving in the direction of ensuring broad support for students, wherever their needs may lie. Just because a student is in a college prep school or has been accepted to be full IB, doesn’t mean that staff won’t need to collaborate and co-plan. ..more
By Freddie Oomkens
14-Oct-18
To increase the amount of highly skilled teachers across the world, the University of the People (UoPeople) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) have launched a tuition-free, online Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) programme. ..more
By Kathleen Naglee
20-Jun-18
We lead world-renowned schools with highly qualified staff, and accredited programs with U.S. State Department assistance. Yet, there were only three female heads of school in our region in academic years 2016–17, 2017–18. How is this still the case in educational leadership? ..more
By Tiffani Razavi, TIE Staff Writer
02-Feb-18
A recent report from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) based on data collected in 2015 indicates that, although there is no gender difference in science assessment scores at 15, girls at that age are less likely than boys to see themselves in a science or engineering career. ..more
By Brittany Betts, TIE CEO
02-Feb-18
TIE’s Brittany Betts talks with Homa Sabet Tavangar, keynote speaker at AAIE’s annual Leadership Conference in New York and author of Growing Up Global and The Global Education Toolkit. ..more
By Jackie Wyncoll
19-Apr-18
Academia Cotopaxi's 2017 Journeys Toward Inclusion Conference kicked off under a blue sky in beautiful Quito, Ecuador. The event opened as over 200 participants listened, enraptured, to heartwarming and inspiring personal stories of inclusion. ..more
By Sylvia Hendricks
14-Oct-18
24 June 2018 was a historic day in Saudi Arabia, as women were given the freedom to take the wheels of their vehicles and drive for the first time in their own country. Expatriate women also gained the opportunity to feel the freedom of this significant change. ..more
By Tara Russell Ethridge
03-Oct-18
Female students in a writing class at the Udhailiyah branch of the Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools decided to write a persuasive letter to Nike asking for some samples of their new Nike Pro sports hijab. It worked. ..more
By Lesley Tait
27-Sep-18
In September 2012, the American Cooperative School of Tunis (ACST) was confronted with a monumental challenge when protests erupted and attention moved from the U.S. embassy to the school. Over the past six years, the ACST community has sought to rebuild better. ..more
By Sara Griffith
13-Apr-18
In January 1944, Mrs. Liliana Segre was deported from Binario 21 of Milan’s Central Station to Auschwitz, along with more than 775 Italian children under the age of 14. Only 25 of those 775 children survived. Mrs. Segre was one of them. ..more






TIE Online
ABOUT TIE

The International Educator (TIE) is a non-profit organization committed to matching highly qualified educators with international schools around the world. For more than 30 years, TIE has been the most comprehensive service for securing a job in an international school. TIE is dedicated to advancing the highest professional teaching standards and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the international school community.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
ADVERTISE ON TIE
Subscribe to our Newsletter
STAY IN TOUCH

2023 © The International Educator All Rights Reserved.   •   Privacy Policy